Chikungunya

Definition

Chikungunya, (CHIKV) is a clinical infectious tropical disease belonging to the family of arboviruses (arthropod-borne diseases). It is transmitted by mosquitoes of the Aedes species that bite mainly during the day. The virus causing this disease belongs to the family of alphaviruses and is transmitted by blood. Chikungunya not only affects humans, but monkeys and other animals.

Symptoms

Chikungunya symptoms occur after an incubation period of 2 to 12 days on average. They are:

at an advanced stage, especially among infants and the elderly, neurological complications.

Joint pain and severe fatigue can persist for several months after the initial diagnosis.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made through a blood test, a PCR TST or serology.

Treatment

There is no vaccine against Chikungunya nor is there any preventive treatment. The attending physician will prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs to fight against joint pain. Rest is also recommended.

Prevention

One must proceed with high vigilance, especially when traveling in the tropics, with simple gestures such as wearing long clothing, using insect repellent, spraying insecticide on clothing and the use of general insecticides.